3x Phono Solar 225w panels. These are 24v panel wired in series. Just a simple strain relief to send the power down. No combiner box or extra connections.

Picture of the rack mount system. No provision was made to tilt the panels.

Here is the Morningstar MPPT 60 that converts the ~120vdc from the panels to the 12v needed to charge the battery. To the right is a high voltage switch to cut power from the panels. Inside the box are some Edison base 10a fuses. This switch is not DC rated and is in process to be replaced. Probably with Schneider H221N switch.

Everyone seems to like a battery picture.

And for all you techies, a pic of my battery monitor.

Any comments or red flags to address please let me know.
Primary equipment was just under $1,500 Probably $250 more to complete the install.

A little dab of Dicor in a couple spots will secure those wires without making more holes. Overall, the system looks good... lots of watts for just 4 batteries. They could go from 50% to 100% in an hour - LOL.

As mentioned by others the wires could use something to hold them to the roof.
Might even consider a few drops of silicon

Why no Ethernet or RS232 Serial data cable from that wonderful MS TS MPPT-60 controller? What about the voltage sense and temperature sense lines? Consider an upgrade, as in change the crude dip switch setting configuration to something proper, as in a computer interface with MSVIEW. Morningstar supplies upgrade firmware and loads of configuration possibilities all for free. That MPPT 60 might be the best of the best available today why not take full advantage of its capabilities?

shooted wrote:Hi smkettner,
Is the battery box vented? It looks open to the compartment with the electronics and the big propane bottle. Maybe they are AGM? Your install looks great!

The oem vent tube is wedged in at the top right of the pic. Originally it went to the group 24 battery box. Compartment is not near sealed and actually has a big gap at the top and various cut out holes in the bottom. Those are 6 year old Costco GC2, no agm.

* This post was
edited 02/26/12 08:38pm by an administrator/moderator *